One rebel has died following a battle between soldiers and coup leader George
Speight's supporters this morning. He is belived to have died from head injuries.
About 30 rebel supporters are still in hospital this morning following a crackdown
on Kalabu village by the military.
The rebel supporters were taken to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital this
morning suffering from gunshot and other injuries. One soldier was wounded.
After treatment, police and army officials will be taking the rebels to the
Nabua Police Station where they will be charged.
The dead man is believed to be in his 40s. Doctors at the hospital have said
he was dead on arrival.
The rebel's death brings to three the number of people killed since the attempted
coup on May 19 - two rebels and one policeman.
Ambulances are rushing back and forth between the military checkpoint at Laqere
Bridge and the hospital.
A running gun battle started at Kalabu in Nasinu outside Suva at 6.10 heavy
gunfire and it continued till 7am. "It was like a small war going,"
a resident said. .
Radio reports said at least 500 people were removed from the Kalabu Fijian
School where rebels where holed up to the Police Mobile Force in Nasinu.
After the initial gunbattle, 30 young men were taken from the Kalabu School
in a truck bound and piled on top of each other. They were guarded by armed
military men in the back of the truck.
Civilians that had gathered to watch the action plus members of the media have
been told by military personnel to leave Laqere in case of further retaliation
by the rebels.
This site is best viewed using Netscape 4.0 or higher.
Any problems or kind suggestions, please email: webmaster@lookinglassdesign.com
last revision July 26, 2000